Germanic Paganism

"Ancient Germanics didn't think the myths were literally true lol" (Pictured: A map showing the physical location of Ginnungagap next to Greenland) Credit: Þórr siðr

Anachronism and adaptation Modern Pagans should not seek to re-enact the past but rather learn from it, adapt it, and incorporate it into our lives today. For example, it would be impractical for modern Pagans to worship the Gods for a good harvest without having a farm in need of immediate environmental change. This would be re-enactment and ritual for the sake of it. My hearth, for example, conducts rituals in accordance with the yearly traditions and customs of our pre-Christian English (and broadly Germanic) ancestors as laid out in the historical sources, but for reasons that are applicable to us today. This way, we bring in the fulfilling presence and blessings of the Gods into our lives today in a way that is not purely anachronistic but still maintains tradition. The idea that Germanic Pagans should conduct ourselves as if we are stuck in a time capsule from 400-900 AD is a faulty assumption. Prayer and group ritual should adapt and suit the needs, purposes, and goals of our lives today because the Gods and ancestors exist with us today in the here-and-now. Modern technology has also allowed us to evolve with the times. Therefore, some modern Pagans may even choose not to sacrifice animals as our ancestors once did because it may not be practical, or it may be due to philosophical reasons and the fact that these days we can simply purchase meat from a butcher. These days, Pagans may have no need to worship Woden in the context of war because it is not an immediate and primary concern for us living in modern civilisation during peacetime. However, we can worship Woden in the context of travel, as an example, because He is also called Journey-Empowerer and Mountain-Wanderer. Thus, the worship of the Gods becomes applicable to us today where we have the privilege to live in a more stable and luxurious context.

^ This isn’t really a matter of opinion or preference. This is what the historical evidence directly tells us about our traditions.

It is our view, that blót in the traditional sense of animal sacrifice is a fundamental and higher form of worship, as it is requires a greater expense and involves the taking of a life in honor of a god. That being said, if one does not have access to worship in such a manner, then one should seek out another who has a practiced hand in the traditions of ritual slaughter, and contribute to and attend their sacrifices. This allows one access to the divine rewards that come from them, and is customary per ancient tradition. But more importantly, contribution and attendance of a blót in the traditional manner allows for the opportunity to learn from others on such traditions, and replicate them in one’s own practice. This is the handing-down that the word tradition implies. Matblót, or a food sacrifice, while more accessible, is considered a lesser offering to the gods. Such offerings are permissible on a daily and weekly basis to maintain the reciprocal relationship with one’s god.

The blótsteinn at Waldgang post-sacrifice, in November 2022.

Glad Solstice. Thank you Lord, for everything you have given me. I will forever serve you in this life and many more.

An incredible blót to Thunor last night. My customer kindly let us use his weoh before I ship it out

Midsummer 2024 / 17th Ærra Liða Photographs from this year's Midsummer blót at my hearth, Woden's Grove. This year, we gathered by a century-old tree and to worship Þunor (Old Norse: Þórr) and Wōden (Old Norse: Óðinn). First, we began by thanking Wōden for giving us Þunor. Prayers were directed towards Him, followed by libational offerings. Following this, we made blót to Þunor as is custom. The day finished with feasting and merriment. The photographs above capture some moments of this year's Midsummer event.